hmount

Hi
I'm traveling through Hong Kong to Bangkok and need to buy separate tickets. Can anyone tell me if 2 hours is enough time to clear customs then head back through security for a different airine?

Otherwise it's a very long layover
Thanks
Heather ​​​

janisj

IMO 2 hours is not ever long enough between unprotected flights/separate bookings almost anywhere. If your incoming flight is delayed (or there is disruption at the airport) you will not have an onward flight.

MmePerdu

On the occasions I've had longish layovers between flights I've used the commercial lounges at HKG airport, good places to rest & recuperate, take a shower, etc.

https://www.hongkongairport.com/en/p...porate-lounges

lcuy

As they're both international flights, I don't think that you have to leave the transit area, so 2 hours would be fine as long as you arrive on time.

For this, I'd buy travel insurance in case a delay causes the second flight to leave without you.

Actually, Hong Kong is not a bad airport for a longer layover. It's got lots to do there!

CaliforniaLady

A few years ago, I flew into HKG from LAX via Cathay. I was transiting to their subsidiary, Dragon Air, to Hanoi. I was required to go through a long and inefficient security transit line, and it took about an hour. After that, I had to race to the other side of the terminal for my flight. The whole process took about ninety minutes, so I would say that two hours is cutting it close. I would either allow more time between flights, or, as Lucy mentioned, I would get trip insurance. However, even if you get reimbursed, what fun is that to experience a delay?

hmount

Thanks everyone it looks like a long layover is my best option
Heather

Connie59

Yes a longer layover is better then scrambling at the last minute, especially with international flights.

deptrai

I'm doing something similar soon. ICN - HKG - BKK. All one ticket on Cathay Pacific with 2:50 layover. I'm not concerned with making the connection and I'm looking forward to lounge hopping during my layover.

CaliforniaLady

I wouldn't lounge hop, I would spend all my time in the Cathay Flagship Lounge. It's two floors, with a free restaurant, two buffet counters, and a coffee/desert bar. And, of course, a free bar.

MmePerdu

We don't know what lounges either of the travelers is qualified to use & why I posted the link to the pay-to-use lounges. But either way, airline or paid, with only maybe 2 hours max to lounge on a 3 hour layover, I agree that "hopping" doesn't make any sense. Go to 1, preferably on the way to your departure gate, and enjoy what they have to offer. Read reviews.

jacketwatch

Great idea CL! Their reviews are terrific!

deptrai

Cathay's flagship lounge name is The Wing. I'll have access to it, The Pier, The Bridge, The Deck and the Plaza Premium (due to Priority Pass) lounges.

CaliforniaLady

I have been to all the Cathay Lounges at HKG over the years, and none compares to the flagship lounge. Make sure you try the tomato-based veggie ramen in the free restaurant., and the wonderful dim sum at the buffet. Also, the showers are really nice. After visiting Indonesia for 3.5 weeks, I stood in that shower for a long time, just to get rid of the grime and second hand smoke. The attendant knocked on the door to see if I was still alive. She laughed, and brought me more fluffy towels and lotions. Nirvana.

MmePerdu

After an interminable trans-pacific flight it's a shower that makes life worth living again!